Cristiano Ronaldo's maiden FIFA World Cup knockout goal sends reactions pouring in: 'The king has arrived'

Cristiano Ronaldo sent the Portugal fans into overdrive after levelling the score in the 68th minute against Croatia in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage in Toronto, Canada, on Friday. The venue was filled with red and green jerseys, looking like a home game for Portugal as they fought back valiantly to get a score on the board.

The Portugal vs Croatia knockout match got intense after Ivan Perisic gave the Croatian side a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute after receiving an assist from Josip Stanisic. The Portuguese offensive unit fought back, with Ronaldo finding the back of the net in the 63rd minute. But after a VAR review, the goal was ruled offside.

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Ronaldo scores first-ever World Cup knockout goal

Portugal got itself a penalty in the 66th minute, just three minutes after Ronaldo's goal was ruled offside. The veteran striker walked in for the penalty and equalised for the side, taking the score to 1-1.

It was Ronaldo's first-ever goal in the World Cup knockout stage after remaining goalless in the five knockout appearances in the past. The score from the penalty spot also extended his international goals tally to 146 in 232 appearances. 

Fans thrilled after Ronaldo nets an equaliser

Portugal faithful were ecstatic after Ronaldo's goal, expressing their joy and enthusiasm on social media. Fans celebrated the veteran striker's first World Cup knockout goal, with one of them saying, "The king has arrived," while another called out the haters who clowned Ronaldo for not having a World Cup knockout goal.

Another user exclaimed that Ronaldo was built for such defining moments.

However, a fan believes Ronaldo did not earn the penalty chance.

Ronaldo's World Cup journey continues, while Luka Modric's campaign came to an end after Portugal finished the game with a 2-1 lead over Croatia at the BMO Field.